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There are three species of oil beetle found in Wales. Violet oil beetle (Meloe violaceus),and Black oil beetles (Meloe proscarabaeus) are widespread and can be locally common whereas the Rugged oil beetle (Meloe rugosus) is rare and known only from a small number of sites in south-east Wales. In other parts of Britain Mediterranean (Meloe mediterraneus) and Short-necked oil beetles (Meloe brevicollis), can be found, but are rare. It is possible that these species are present in Wales but we need your help to find them! –